Guestbook for Craig Decker
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November 19, 2018 | Donna Gunther - Montclair , Nj -- Us
Susanne, I am so sorry to hear about Craig. Every now and then I look you up and today I saw the terribly sad news that he passed. I hope you are recovering Susanne and wishing you healing thoughts. Donna
August 21, 2018 | Betsy Wheeler - Eugene, Oregon -- US
I became friends with Craig in the 1980s through Jane B and hung out with him at Irvine. What a fascinating, witty, good person, attentive listener and distinct self. We were so happy when Craig married Suzanne. All the best to you through this savage loss.
May 13, 2018 | Lisa Zimmerman de Vincent - Los Angeles , CA -- US
Cathy I was so sad to hear this news today. Craig was a wonderful joyful person. I had many great talks with him. I remember him either smiling or deep in thought about his studies. I lost my brother Eric 4 years ago today so I know your pain and sadness. I was happy to see a picture of Craig he looks absolutely the same. Just know he is with you. Much love.
April 25, 2018 | William Ash - Harmony, Florida -- USA
Today, I found I had lost a good friend. I will miss our conversations and the time we spent together. He was a generous soul.
Good fiends and excellent teachers--
Stick close to them!
Wealth and power are fleeting dreams
But wise words perfume the world for ages.
Ryokan, 18th century Zen monk
My heart goes out to his family. I cannot imagine the loss they feel.
April 19, 2018 | Patricia Martz - TUPPER LAKE, NY -- US
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April 5, 2018 | Geoff Howes - Bowling Green, Ohio -- United States
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, colleague, and fellow editor and translator Craig Decker.
I was fortunate to see him last year at the Austrian Studies Association conference in Chicago, and then to spend a week with him at Ledig House in upstate New York at a translation workshop in April. During the workshop, we spent one day in New York City, and Craig and I had a long lunch with a deep, rewarding conversation, then visited the Neue Galerie together.
Craig and I shared much--we were both editors of "Modern Austrian Literature," and we shared translating as well. He steered some translation work my way.
We saw each other rarely and didn't write each other much, but whenever we did see each other, we truly connected. His ability to care for and about others made that possible.
My sincere condolences to his family.
April 3, 2018 | Pieter M. Judson - Florence, Tuscany -- Italy
My profound condolences to Craig's family. In 1976-77 Craig was my best friend. He made that year in Munich the best year of my life. Getting to know him as a dear friend, being inspired by him, learning from him, and just enjoying life with him, changed my life forever for the better. I'm so profoundly grateful that I had the chance to know him, and I envy the students and friends who knew him later on. What a remarkable, precious, and generous friend to so many--how lucky we all have been to have known him.
April 2, 2018 | Gregor Thuswaldner - Chicago, IL -- United States
As a fellow German and Austrian Studies scholar, I'm incredibly saddened do hear about Craig's passing. I was looking forward to seeing him again at the end of May at this year's Austrian Studies Association (ASA) Conference at the University of Vermont. Craig was the President of ASA and a former editor of the association's journal. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
March 28, 2018 | Marita Cleaver - Princeton, Texas -- USA
I will always treasure Craig's memory as a fellow AP German grader and collaborator on the SAT German exam. Over the years, he became a dear friend, whose warm and funny personality I grew very fond of. His wit and his sharp mind was something I always admired and appreciated about him. Most of all, I know he loved German, the German culture, his beloved family and, really, he loved people. He will be missed but not forgotten.
March 26, 2018 | Michael Knittel - Geisenheim, Hesse -- Germany
I will always remember Craig as a dear, close friend, a brilliant scholar -- and a soulmate: We laughed a lot together, and we "bitched" a lot together. Will miss all the conversations with him and Susanne over dinner. Farewell, Craig!
March 25, 2018 | Randi Rawson - Salt Lake City, Utah -- USA
Professor Decker was one of the most influential professors and mentors I had at Bates. He taught me a lifelong love of German and German literature. I can say without doubt that my life’s journey would have been very different if I had never known him. I can remember his bouncing enthusiasm as he taught beginning German during my first semester of college. And even though I had been a science major, I ended my time at Bates with an independent study on contemporary, feminist German literature with Professor Decker. He was an incredible teacher and genuinely cared about his students. I send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Suzanne, Andrew, and dear Gracie. I am so sorry for your loss and you are very much in my thoughts.
March 25, 2018 | Jessie Garson - Good Hope, GA -- USA
I was a student on Craig's Bates semester in Vienna in 2014. It was the first time I had mixed travel with education and opened my eyes to a world that I fell in love with. My favorite memory was when Craig knew about a small gathering of poets from the local university. I decided to go with him and two others to the poetry reading, despite my lack of German language understanding. It was incredible feeling the emotions of the poets without knowing the meaning of every word. He provided me with so much support and knowledge.
I'm sorry for your loss. Craig always spoke so highly of his family and how dedicated he was to you all.
March 25, 2018 | ZANA PEKMEZ - Vienna, Lower Austria -- Austria
Dear family Decker,
My deepest condolences upon passing of our beloved professor Craig.
I remember him often, especially now when I moved to Vienna with my family. I still stand strongly behind everything he thought me about troubled Austrian past...often debating with my collegues and find myself thinking how prof. Decker would be proud. He left huge mark on my life and helped me a lot. I will be thinking of him often. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Zana Pekmez
March 24, 2018 | Erin Daniels - Silver Spring, Maryland -- USA
Dear Susanne, Andrew and Grace,
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I am a Bates graduate and Professor Decker was my German advisor. I also went on one of the short term trips to Kitzbuehel and even babysat for Grace and Andrew when they were kids. Professor Decker was a wonderful professor and an incredibly kind person. I will never forget how he - and your whole family - welcomed all of us in Kitzbuehel, and how much I learned from his classes. I’m so sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts.
March 24, 2018 | Dervilla McCann - Winthrop, ME -- United States
I am profoundly saddened to hear of Craig's passage, and send my deepest sympathies to my classmate, Suzanne, his wife.
Unexpected loss is first a shock, then a process of reconciliation to a new lessened reality. I hope that friends, family, and community help to fill the empty space that must feel so wide and deep at this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with Craig's family.
March 23, 2018 | Brian Ruppert - Lewiston, Maine -- United States
I only talked to Craig once in an Asian Studies colleague's office and saw him on a few other occasions at Bates, but he seemed an extremely kind and thoughtful scholar. It was clear he was quite ill when I spoke to him but I'd actually hoped to get to know him better if he came back to better health. It was, unfortunately, not to be. Having only talked to him that one time, I realized he was a very special, very thoughtful person. It's not common that I have such an impression, and I think it's clear that you've lost a wonderful and remarkable human being and loved one. May you find peace in knowing what a kind and truly impactful person he was.
March 23, 2018 | Jeffrey Berry - London, -- United Kingdom
To the bereaved, my deepest condolences for your loss. Many of us share in your sorrow. Craig's influence on my life extends far beyond the classroom. He was also a mentor, a father-figure, and a dear friend. I will forever be grateful for his guidance and support, as well for the laughs, the long conversations. Was it not only yesterday that we sat together at the Volkstheater?
March 22, 2018 | Daniel J Gavin - Roslindale, Massachusetts -- United States
Herr Craig Decker was a second father to me. Words can't describe how much this man has impacted my life. I am who I am today because of Craig Decker. He not only inspired me to become a proud German teacher but he also mentored me through a very challenging time in my life. Hearing about his death flooded many happy memories back into my head that caused me to smile and laugh uncontrollably but also had me crying....and those who know me know that I don't cry easily. This loss hits me hard and has me pondering the fragility of life. Herr Decker was so young and he was taken from us too soon. That being said, I can speak for all of his past students in saying that he was a complete inspiration and will never, EVER be forgotten. Rest in peace, Herr Decker. And to your beautiful family, I send my deepest condolences.
March 22, 2018 | Cyndy & Trent Paradis - Turner, ME -- USA
Trent & family would like to extend our sincere sympathies to Grace at this difficult time. Take time to grieve, but also take time to recall and hold close those treasured memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 22, 2018 | Paul Kuritz - Norfolk, VA -- US
A gentle soul.
May his memory be eternal.
March 22, 2018 | Laurie O'Higgins - Lewiston, Maine -- US
Craig was a cherished friend and colleague, a man I respected highly for his integrity, courage, rationality, wit and warmth. I will hold in my memory his talent as a raconteur, and his capacity for quiet and ironic humor. Farewell. You will never be forgotten.
March 22, 2018 | Derek Faile - Lewiston, Maine -- U.S.
So sorry to hear about Craig's passing. I just happen to see it in the paper. I only met him three or four times when I dropped Grace off at the house. I know how hard this must be, I lost my father year before last. He sounded like a very talented man from reading his obituary. God bless all of you, and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Derek Faile
March 22, 2018 | Sara Steinert Borella - Gorduno, Ticino -- Switzerland
Suzanne, I am so sorry to learn of Craig’s death. He was a wonderful professor and mentor. He will be sorely missed. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Fondly, Sara
March 22, 2018 | Margaret A. Imber - Lewiston, ME -- United States
I am so sorry for your loss. Craig was a brilliant and kind colleague and a beloved teacher. I will miss the heck out of him.
March 22, 2018 | Rhonda Levesque - Lewiston, Maine -- anderscoggin
Craig, I will miss you so much coming into my office. My heart broke when I heard you have gone to the lords house. They have gained an angel. I loved talking to you and Susanne. Your smile help me thru my day. You will never be forgotten.
Rhonda Levesque
March 22, 2018 | Cynthia Morgan - Auburn, ME -- USA
Craig was a well respected, caring man who was able to share his passion for education and help students feel welcome and interested to be engaged in their learning. He always had a friendly smile and stopped to chat. He made a very positive impact upon his corner of the world and will be missed by many. I am so sorry for your loss. He was much too young to go.
